Five Reasons Why If You Don’t Watch Downton Abbey, We Can’t Be Friends

I understand that Downton Abbey is not everyone’s cup of tea. Because people who don’t like Downton tea are Americans who probably prefer MTV Mountain Dew or Real Housewives Red Bull instead. Which is fine, if you like that sort of thing. But my wish for 2013 is that if you haven’t been swept up in the Grantham family bid-ness yet, give it a chance. Because it will change your life. And the way you pin-curl your bangs.

Season 3 premieres tonight, so that gives you until 9 p.m. tonight to get caught up. If the creators of Downton can cover the sinking of the Titanic and World War I in less than two dozen episodes, you can surely get the gist of Downton Drama in a full workday’s time. For those who need a little help or a memory refresher, please continue reading.